Last cycle, Lerner, a Minneapolis native, advised winning statewide candidates in Alaska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah. He has also worked for the Club for Growth and the Republican Governors Association.

&ldquo;Jon has a proven record of success helping elect conservatives to public office all across the country,&rdquo; Pawlenty said in a statement Thursday. &ldquo;Mary and I are proud to add a fellow Minnesotan to the team, and we are confident that his dedication and expertise will advance our efforts to unite the Republican party and restore the American economy.&rdquo;